By Chioma Obinna

For widows in the seven local governments under the domain of Oba Ojora of Lagos, this is a time to celebrate after they were recently presented with various gifts items, including cash.  The widows were hosted under the Oba’s annual gathering for women who have lost their husbands and have no one to turn to for assistance.

*A widow collecting her own gift items during the programme

For His Royal Highness, Oba Fatai Oyeyinka Aremu Aromire, the gathering was at the instance of his empowerment programme for widows which started 21 years ago when he was enthroned the Oba of Ojora. Since its inception, thousands of women have benefitted from the programme.  Many of the widows have been empowered to start their own businesses, while some who have challenges paying school fees and house rents have been assisted.

Every year, a day is set aside to bring the women together at the Oba’s palace to thank and praise God for His mercies and kindness over their lives.

March 21, 2015, widows from the seven local government areas thronged the Oba’s palace in the Ojora area of Lagos where they were presented with bags of rice, clothes, foods and money.  Indeed the women had every reason to rejoice at the end of the day as many of them went home smiling.

One of such widows was 57-year-old Mrs. Abigal Adesanya who got a bag of rice, clothes and undisclosed cash gift.    For Abigal, many Nigerians may see the gifts as nothing but for her, it was a big relief for her family.  According to her: “The Oba has continued to show us goodness. This is what he does every year for widows in the area.  We are praying for long life and prosperity for the Oba. We appreciate what he has been doing every year for women who lost their husbands. Today he gave us clothes and bags of rice.”

Another widow, Mrs. Isiaka Yusuf, who lost her husband eight years ago, could not hide her joy and gratitude as she said: “I have five children to take care of. God will bless him. This thing he did today will help widows who have no money to buy food and some of these things will help us. We are burdened with too many responsibilities. We pay landlords, school fees and other things. I thank God.”

At this year’s gathering, over 500 widows were in attendance. After entertaining the women with food and drinks, they were each handed 20 kilograms of rice, clothes and cash.

Speaking to Vanguard Metro, VM, President of the Widows, Rev. Sarah Iyabode Taiwo, explained that the gathering was purely for thanksgiving for the life of the Oba and the women. “We are rejoicing with the Oba and when we do this annually he blesses us with gifts. Widows are mothers and nobody cares for us.”

On his part, Oba Aremu Aromire said the annual programme was initiated in memory of his late mother who died when he was eight years. “I chose widows to honour my mother because she did not eat the fruit of her labour. I lost my mother when I was eight years. I also lost my father.”

Recounting how good God has been to him, he said: “I have been doing this for 21 years now. I have been going to motherless babies homes and old people’s homes.  Out of the abundance that God has given, I use it to bless them. My funding is from God .  We are sharing over 500 bags of rice, clothes and money.”

Acknowledging the different tribal and religious background of the women, he said: “I miss my parents but God did it for a purpose.  I love what I am doing today. My message to orphans out there is to remember God.”

He further advised Nigerian youths, especially those who have no father or mother to be wise and reject any politician who may want to use them to cause violence during the elections.  “Let peace be your watchword. We are all our brothers’ keeper. If you don’t win today, you will win tomorrow. My own father contested for this stool but none of them became Ojora of Lagos. Now I am the Oba Ojora of Lagos. If you don’t have it today, you will have it tomorrow,” he added.